4 Songs that Tell the Truth About Lying

Deceit is a popular topic in songs because it’s a popular practice of humans.

Not every song is autobiographical, but most come from some kind of observed experience. The vices that end relationships are inspired by lies. You can lie about anything, big or (what you think) inconsequential.

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Most people are simply willing to lie. And some of the world’s best-known songs are here to prove it’s true. Would I lie to you, honey?

“Liar” by Rollins Band from Weight (1994)

Songs about lying often feature the victim’s point of view. The one who’s hurt, cheated, and betrayed by lies. But Rollins Band flipped the script and their defining song features a lying narrator. “Liar” follows a manipulator who explains to his target exactly what he’s doing. The character explains the desperation and insecurities needed for credulity. Henry Rollins and his band manipulate reality over easy-listening verses. Then Rollins erupts into gnarly alt-metal howling—exposing the truth. Also, the music video is a ’90s classic. (For real.)

I’ll hide behind a smile and understanding eyes

And I’ll tell you things that you already know

So you can say, “I really identify with you, so much”

And all the time that you’re needing me

Is just the time that I’m bleeding you

Don’t you get it yet?

“Little Lies” by Fleetwood Mac from Tango in the Night (1987)

Christine McVie said she wrote “Little Lies” near her pool. The song is credited to her and then-husband Eddy Quintela, though McVie claimed, “‘Little Lies’ was very much my song.” She credits Lindsey Buckingham for giving the song its depth with his studio skills. In the song, McVie tolerates the small lies. Though she’d prefer a healthier relationship, she feels she must accept the dishonesty. Fleetwood Mac knows firsthand what broken relationships look like. Tango in the Night is the final studio album to feature its most successful lineup: Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, and John McVie.

If I could turn the page

In time then I’d rearrange just a day or two

Close my, close my, close my eyes

But I couldn’t find a way

So I’ll settle for one day to believe in you

Tell me, tell me, tell me lies

“Would I Lie to You?” by Eurythmics from Be Yourself Tonight (1985)

A true banger from Dave Stewart and Annie Lennox, “Would I Lie to You?” uses Memphis-inspired horns to punctuate Stewart’s cutting guitar. His guitar echoes The Kinks’ infatuation anthem “You Really Got Me.” Lennox delivers some hard truths to her soon-to-be former partner. She’s leaving, but before she goes, Lennox turns the dagger with cutting remarks toward her lover. One of her generation’s best singers, Lennox uses call-and-response vocals to drive the point.

Would I lie to you? (Oh yeah)

Would I lie to you, honey? (Oh no, no, no)

Now would I say something that wasn’t true?

“Suspicious Minds” by Elvis Presley (Standalone Single, 1969)

Mark James released “Suspicious Minds” in 1968 but it wasn’t a hit until Elvis Presley released his version the following year. James wrote about a failing relationship he’s not ready to quit. Trust is gone, it’s pure dysfunction, yet he hopes for the best. “Suspicious Minds” helped Presley’s stalled career following his ’68 Comeback Special. The track fades out briefly before it returns only to fade out once more. It’s the musical equivalent of an on-again, off-again relationship.

Why can’t you see

What you’re doing to me

When you don’t believe a word I say?

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